Tehran, IRNA – The 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, held in Samarkand, officially recognized the Cyrus Cylinder as the world’s first written document on human rights, with the unanimous agreement of all member states.
During the 43rd session of the General Conference, which took place from October 30 to November 13, 2025, in the city of Samarkand, the Charter of Cyrus the Great was formally approved. The resolution, adopted by consensus, identifies the Cylinder as a foundational document in the history of human civilization and the earliest written expression of principles such as freedom, justice, tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity.
According to the provisions of this resolution, UNESCO is mandated to integrate the teachings derived from the Cyrus Cylinder into its educational, cultural, and human rights programs. Egypt, Iraq, Colombia, India, Nigeria, Algeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Senegal, Armenia, and Poland were among the countries that officially supported the adoption of this document.
Under this resolution, the Director-General of UNESCO is required to incorporate the principles outlined in the Cyrus Cylinder within the framework of social justice, intercultural dialogue, education for peace, and sustainable development—particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
This achievement not only revives Iran’s civilizational status but also strengthens its cultural diplomacy, now resonating globally with the message of “humanity, justice, and cultural coexistence.”
For years, Iran has sought to reaffirm its historical and cultural position within international organizations such as UNESCO.
The General Conference is one of UNESCO’s highest decision-making bodies, where member states convene to adopt key policies, programs, budgets, and resolutions.
In the field of cultural heritage registration, Iran has also made notable achievements: as of July 2025, the country holds 29 sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Previously, UNESCO approved two major commemorations with Iran’s participation: the 1,150th anniversary of the death of Bayazid Bastami, recognized as a master of Islamic mysticism (supported by Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkey), and the centennial of Allameh Tabatabaei’s scholarly life, emphasizing his seminal work The Principles of Philosophy and the Method of Realism (supported by Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Pakistan).
This marks the first time that an ancient Iranian document has been globally recognized as a charter directly linked to the concept of human rights.
